With a sometimes antagonistic style and tenacious attitude, the developer has pitched so many proposals for drug rehabilitation centers in certain Bethlehem neighborhoods that the residents have rallied together to form a neighborhood association.

And while it’s still organizing, one of its first orders of business is to fight Atiyeh’s court appeal over a zoning rejection for such a facility at the former Moose & Bug flower shop, 2349 Linden St. Atiyeh had argued that the city’s Zoning Hearing Board made dozens of errors in denying it the approvals he needs to open a 47-bed residential treatment centers for drug addicts and alcoholics.

At least 11 of the residents have retained the services of attorney Jeremy Clark who filed this week to intervene in the zoning appeal before Northampton County Court. He’ll join the city solicitor and council solicitor in opposing the project.

Clark said the residents have some concerns about safety of the facility and its proximitty to the Spring Garden Elementary School.

The filing follows a nearby neighborhood group, the North Bethlehem Action Committee, that has gotten more active in recent years following Atiyeh's proposals in their neighborhood. In fact, that association has not only hired an attorney but keeps a Website chronicling Atiyeh's proposals.

Atiyeh’s appeal over the Linden Street project was just filed in court. But we’re guessing the appeal will give the members of the young neighborhood association something to bond over for months to come.